Birthday celebrations

Last week was a week of celebration for my birthday. We were invited out for lunches and dinner by friends and relatives. On the day itself, 30th May, we had high tea in a restaurant at Thompson Plaza with our son and family. We came home and I thought to myself -'now I can have a quiet evening all to ourselves.'

This was not to be; for in the early afternoon, our son and daughter-in-law turned up and before long, a group of our former young people of Singapore Central Corps invaded our home. We were Corps Officers (pastors) of this church at that time in Clemenceau Avenue from January 1970-1974 some 40 years ago! These 'young people' now in their fifties have not forgotten us and a group came to celebrate my 83rd birthday! One came from Italy for holiday and was able to join in the celebration. There was an abundance of food that they brought. One lady, Lydia a professional cake maker made a lovely cake iced with the Salvation Army Crest. What an unforgettable evening we had! It will remain in my memory for a long time.

We thank God for the privilege of serving Him in Singapore and Malaysia in the early days of our ministry - Singapore, Melaka, Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching. We have friends in all these places. God has blessed us with many spiritual children quite a number we still keep in touch.

In January 1983 we were transferred to Hong Kong and Taiwan and after seven and half years moved to the Philippines. What adventures we had; not a dull moment. Our last four years in active service were spent in London. Our work entailed visiting 15 countries in South Pacific and East Asia and making even more contacts. As a bonus we were invited to conduct meets in Europe and America. God has been wonderful to us.

The day after my birthday another of our former young people, now happily married and settled in Australia telephoned us. She had heard from her friends about the celebration and wished she could be with the group. We had a long chat on the phone.  She wanted to know why I have not been blogging of late. The truth is as age catches up with me, I do feel tired at the end of the day. She had been following by blog. So here am I starting again rambling along, typing the thoughts as they come.

We became officers in The Salvation Army in October 1954 and retired in May 1997. Active and retired, we have been serving God as officers for almost 61 years. Not a moment of regret. There have been disappointments and discouragements, but His grace has always seen us through.